Celtic rocked by triple injury hammer blow as Alistair Johnston out until November

Celtic rocked by triple injury hammer blow as Alistair Johnston out until November

It's a major blow for Brendan Rodgers ahead of next week's Champions League playoff second leg in Kazakhstan

Celtic have been rocked by the news that Alistair Johnston faces THREE months out.

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And Brendan Rodgers is also sweating over the fitness of Adam Idah and Auston Trusty.

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Johnston, 26, pulled up with a hamstring issue in Wednesday's Champions League stalemate with Kairat Almaty.

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The defender looked in real discomfort as he was stretchered off. And in a bitter blow ahead of Tuesday's £40million shootout in Kazakhstan, Rodgers revealed Johnston will be sidelined until at least November.

He said: "Yeah, not great. He'll probably be about 12 weeks. He obviously had his scan yesterday. It's disappointing for him because he's he's come back and started well. But that's that's where we're at.

"I think when you lose any player, especially of that calibre, then of course it is a disappointment.

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"But it'll provide an opportunity for someone to step in. We know we have Tony. I've got young Colby Donovan who as a young player here, has really impressed me over the time I've been back and in this last 12 months. He's made great strides.

"It's always an opportunity for someone, but of course for Ali, we just want to make sure that we're in a really good position in all competitions when he gets back."

Despite losing a key player, Rodgers insisted he might not dip into the transfer market for a replacement - with deputy Anthony Ralston and youngster Colby Donovan waiting for chances.

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers (Image: SNS Group)

He added: "It's my first look. My first look is always inside. That's something that will gain more clarity over the next week or so. But that's certainly my first look."

Meanwhile struggling striker Adam Idah could be a major doubt for next week's 10-hour journey to the border of China after suffering a knee issue.

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The misfiring £9million Irishman was hooked at half-time after a forgettable display against Kairat Almaty.

American stopper Trusty could also face weeks in the treatment room as he deals with a troublesome foot injury.

Rodgers said: "Adam is struggling with his knee. Auston Trusty could be out for a bit with the plantar fascia issue that he's had. Daizen Maeda, we've probably had to use him more than we would have liked.

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"But he's is okay. Just a bit stiff and crampy but apart from that, injury-wise, it'll be the same squad."

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